Genesee County Health Department

Better Life Through Better Health

Release Date:             September 24, 2008      End Date:   October 31, 2008

Contact Person:          Dianna LaBonte, RN, BSN

Public Health Nurse Coordinator

Genesee County Health Department

Phone:                         (810) 237-4571

RE:                              Breast & Cervical Cancer Awareness & Screening 

October and every month is Breast Cancer Awareness month at the Genesee County Health Department’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program.   In 2004, 276 women in Genesee County were diagnosed with breast cancer.  In 2006, 73 Genesee County women died of the disease.   Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women.  With early detection, survival rates increase to more than 92%.

Mammograms can detect cancer two years before a lump can be felt. The Michigan Cancer Consortium, the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) and the Genesee County Health Department recommend yearly clinical breast exams and mammograms for women 40 and over.  In addition, all women age 20 and over should perform monthly self breast exams.

Access to a life-saving test is simply a phone call away.  The Genesee County Health Department’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program (BCCCP) offers a FREE clinical breast exam, pelvic exam, mammogram and Pap smear to women 40 and over who qualify.  The program may also assist financially with diagnostic procedures if an abnormality is detected.  If a woman is currently enrolled in the Breast and Cervical program and has been diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer, Medicaid may be provided to help with treatment. 

BCCCP is an ongoing program for women 40 and over that are uninsured, underinsured and income qualified.  For example, a one person household with an annual income of $26,000.00 is income qualified.  This program is available to residents of all counties and accepts GHP, Straight Medicaid, and Medicare part A only.  Women who enroll and are screened through the Genesee County Health Department’s BCCCP during the month of October will have their names entered into a drawing for a chance to win a gift basket.

For more information or to schedule an appointment for this life saving screening, please contact the Genesee County Health Department at (810) 237-4545.